* First the tornado, now this. KMOV…

Crude oil made its way into Cahokia Creek Friday after it leaked from a pipeline operated by Marathon Pipe Line.

Authorities say the leak occurred at about 11:45 a.m. at the intersection of Illinois Route 143 and Illinois Route 159. Hazmat crews from Madison County EMA, Madison County Hazmat and crews from the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery and the Marathon Pipe Line responded.

The State of Illinois sent a news release saying initial reports estimate that 3,000 barrels, which amounts to 165,000 gallons, leaked and impacted the water in Cahokia Creek. The statement said the leak has been contained in the creek for now. Marathon Pipe Line and the EPA are conducting air monitoring of the site. […]

Marathon posted an update on Saturday, saying between 2,200 and 3,000 barrels were recovered by Saturday evening. Air monitoring of the spill continues. No hazardous levels of oil have been detected as of Saturday. Some wildlife that has been affected is being treated on site.

* BND…

Residents [of Edwardsville] reported a strong smell of gas, and the city said in an update Friday afternoon that the odor was a result of the leak.

* IEPA…

On March 11, 2022, the National Response Center and Illinois Emergency Management Agency received reports regarding the release of crude oil from a pipeline, which impacted Cahokia Creek. The release occurred near IL Rte. 143 and Old Alton-Edwardsville Road. The Marathon pipeline runs parallel to Cahokia Creek, and the release was observed flowing out of the bank on the creek along the pipeline right-of-way. Initial reports estimated the release at 3,000 barrels (or 165,000 gallons). Emergency responders were notified, and representatives from Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA arrived on site.

Several sets of booms have since been deployed in the creek, both skirted and absorbent boom. Additional deployments are planned. At this time, the crude oil is contained in the creek. Vac trucks are recovering product at several locations. Marathon and U.S. EPA are establishing air monitoring near the site. The investigation and remediation at the site continue.

The referral asks the Attorney General’s Office to represent the Illinois EPA to ensure that Marathon completely remediates the release and coordinates with Illinois EPA, as well as federal and local agencies, to implement appropriate compliance measures. Those compliance measures include, but are not limited to, removing all product in any affected waterway; assessing the integrity of the pipelines and repair as necessary; investigating and fully delineating the extent of the spill to both soil and groundwater; and submitting and implementing a corrective action plan as necessary.

* Marathon…

Marathon Pipe Line (MPL) released more late Saturday morning about the crude oil spill near Edwardsville. MPL Communications Director Jamil T. Kheiry released these comments:

• Upon detecting the release Friday morning, March 11, MPL shut down the pipeline and deployed response resources.
• Crude oil reached the Cahokia diversion channel, and MPL has deployed boom at several locations along the channel to contain it.
• No injuries have been reported.
• MPL has deployed air monitoring in the area as a precaution and has detected no hazardous level of emissions.
• There are no water intakes or private wells in the immediate vicinity of the release.
• MPL resources deployed to the area for cleanup activities include boom, vacuum trucks, skimmers, and excavating equipment. Additional personnel and equipment are en route to the location to assist in cleanup activities.
• We are working with local, state, and federal agencies as we respond.
• MPL’s top priorities are to ensure the safety of responders, the community and to limit the environmental impact as we respond to the release and conduct cleanup activities.
• An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the release.

* Sunday evening update from the City of Edwardsville…

• The removal of crude oil from the Cahokia diversion channel continues. Boom has been placed at several locations along the channel to contain the spilled crude. Boats are now being deployed on the channel to assist in the retrieval of oil from the water.
• As of Sunday, March 13, at 7 p.m. Central Time, approximately 2,900 barrels of oil and water mixture has been recovered from the Cahokia diversion channel.
• Repair on the line is underway.
• There have been reports of odors near areas affected by the release, and air monitoring resources continue to be deployed in the area as a precaution. Air monitoring has detected no hazardous level of emissions. […]

• Expert resources have been called in to monitor the spill area and to help retrieve and treat wildlife that have been affected by oil. Expert consultants and environmental agencies have been engaged in the response to assist with care of impacted wildlife. Veterinary staff is on site to assist in the treatment of the animals.
• We have deployed audible deterrent to keep wildlife away from the affected area.
• MPL is providing all needed resources to recover and rehabilitate impacted wildlife. Volunteers are not needed at this time.

Edwardsville is one of my favorite towns in this state. My thoughts are with the residents.

* The governor was nearby today and was asked about the state’s response…

We have our Illinois EPA on site, working with local officials, making sure that we’re protecting drinking water, that we’re doing everything we can in the area to avoid any further environmental damage. And of course, we’ve contacted the Attorney General, working with the Attorney General to make sure that we hold the company accountable for all the expense that will no doubt ensue as a result of the spill.